Autoblog

Ford of Europe denied small coupe, Mustang viability questioned

George Kennedy — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

Too often, we find ourselves pining for Europe-only versions of cars that will never be sold in the United States, but if a report from Inside Line is to be believed, this is a case in which The Continent's enthusiasts will have to watch from afar gets. Ford of Europe is seeking a new coupe that would be smaller than the Mustang, but be positioned as a halo car for the American automaker's European division.

Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally has reportedly given this proposal the 'thumbs down' for the time being, citing the current economic turmoil in the European market. Given the financial climate, the presumably lower-volume vehicle was deemed too much of a risk in these uncertain times. While there was reportedly a design on the works, based on an undisclosed global Ford platform, these efforts have since been shelved following word from the Ford boss.

For its part, the next-generation Ford Mustang is being designed as a global vehicle, opening up potential for sales in new markets. However, despite announcing that the next-generation Mustang will be headed for Europe back in September, Inside Line says Ford of Europe officials are still apparently concerned that the Mustang will be too large and thirsty for their market. The thought is that a more fitting performance model would be smaller, with a potent yet fuel-efficient engine paired with the responsive handling of Ford's current European lineup (perhaps something like Ford's short-lived Puma, shown above).

If/when economic conditions improve in Europe, it will be interesting to see if Ford restarts talks about bringing a new smaller sportscar to market. While we would not disapprove, it would once again cause us consternation if the model was then kept as a Europe-only offering.

Ford of Europe denied small coupe, Mustang viability questioned originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari hits the links with new golf gear

Chris Tutor — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ferrari, Design/Style

Ferrari has teamed up with Cobra Puma Golf to add its iconic prancing horse to a line of golfing equipment including bags, shoes and a Ferrari-red driver.

The Golf Luxury Bag and Luxury Duffel are both made of the same sumptuous Poltrana Frau leather found in Ferrari's GTs and Ferrari's leather golf shoe is handmade in Italy. There are also golf shirts and pants adorned with small, discrete prancing ponies and a black leather jacket with contrasting red zipper.

The crown jewel of the collection is the Ferrari driver. "The Ferrari Golf Collection Driver is a work of art," said Tom Preece, Vice President of Research and Development at Cobra Puma Golf. "We worked with Ferrari engineers to create a truly impressive driver that reduces drag and delivers fast club head speed. This results in maximized distance in a beautiful driver. To add to the allure, the driver features a hand-stitched leather grip, a headcover made from genuine Ferrari leather, a premium Fujikura Motore Speeder Shaft and it is packaged up in a luxurious Ferrari Golf Collection Driver display box."

While none of these are guaranteed to improve your game on the links, they most surely will improve golf-course fashion. Pricing is not yet available, but all items are expected to go on sale in July. For more information, check out the video and press release below, or at the official Ferrari Golf Collection website.

Continue reading Ferrari hits the links with new golf gear

Ferrari hits the links with new golf gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Puma becomes RallyCross team sponsor, releases obligatory Gymkhana vid

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

With a couple of high-level U.S. defectors from the RallyCross series into other motorsport disciplines there was a domestic vacuum at the top, and we know what nature thinks about that. Enter German shoe/sportswear Puma, which is throwing its sponsor dollars behind the factory-backed Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team.

Dave Mirra heads up the trio of drivers, joined by Bucky Lasek and Sverre Isachsen, and they'll run all six RallyCross rounds this year in 2012 WRX STi's. Of course, you can't properly launch a team without some smoke and sliding action, so you'll find that in the video after the jump. And make sure to peep the "Zombie Cat" Puma skeletons on the cars while you're at it...

Continue reading Puma becomes RallyCross team sponsor, releases obligatory Gymkhana vid

Puma becomes RallyCross team sponsor, releases obligatory Gymkhana vid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati and Puma partner up for "Lean In and Ride" series

Zach Bowman — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Motorcycle

Ducati and Puma Lean in and Ride series - Click above to watch videos after the jump

Long before we ever threw a leg over a bike, someone once told us that the best thing about motorcycles is that if they were invented today, they'd be outlawed tomorrow.

For some riders, the feeling that you're doing something illicit (and probably more than a little stupid) is part of the allure. But everyone has a different reason for loving motorcycles. Be it the freedom, the expression, the status or the camaraderie, strapping yourself to an engine and two wheels is downright addicting.

Puma and Ducati have partnered up for a video series that looks into who rides the Italian bikes and why. The five segments take a look at everyone from a professional Formula Drift driver to a Ducati Master Tech and everyone in between to try to answer those questions. The result is a slew of well-put-together clips that will have you hankering for a Monster of your very own. Hit the jump to check out the videos for yourself.

Continue reading Ducati and Puma partner up for "Lean In and Ride" series

Ducati and Puma partner up for "Lean In and Ride" series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari renews deals with Marlboro, Puma

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Ferrari

Tobacco advertising has been banned from Formula One racing for several years now, but that doesn't appear to be deterring either Ferrari or Philip Morris. The two companies have just announced a renewal of their partnership over the team officially known as Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro through 2015.

Last year, Ferrari removed the bar-code logo off its car over allegations that it was a subliminal representation of the Marlboro logo, replacing it with the new logo pictured at right. But while the Marlboro name and logo may not appear on the cars or anything else officially associated with the team, the Marlboro name - one of Philip Morris' best-known tobacco brands - is officially part of the team's name.

Speculation that the sponsorship deal could be shifted to one of Kraft's various brands drew to a close when Philip Morris was spun off in 2008, leaving only tobacco and wines under its own umbrella.

Around the same time, Ferrari has also renewed its merchandising deal with Puma. The sportswear company will continue producing branded sportswear and shoes with the Ferrari logo, as well as providing the flame-retardant suits which Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa wear on the track.

Follow the jump for the brief announcement on the former and the longer one on the latter.

Continue reading Ferrari renews deals with Marlboro, Puma

Ferrari renews deals with Marlboro, Puma originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Puma puts the car in cardboard box... or maybe the other way around

Noah Joseph — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising

F1 car replica made out of Puma shoe boxes - Click above to watch the video after the jump

All sorts of companies shell out big bucks to have their name associated with Formula One racing, whether by sponsoring individual teams, supporting aspiring drivers, or erecting trackside billboards. But their sponsorship deals are only worth as much as they're promoted. Which goes a long way - a full race distance and them some - towards explaining all the innovative ways companies find to highlight their involvement, whether technical or commercial, with the sport.

Puma is one of those brands most commonly associated with F1, and the German sportswear company's promotions never fail to entertain. Having already recreated a Ferrari grand prix racer out of folded up t-shirts, Puma's at it again, only this time they've repeated the feat using only shoeboxes. Yep, ordinary shoeboxes. The craft was undertaken by British designers the Wilson Brothers, and will be displayed at the new Puma store on North State Street in Chicago. But if you're not planning on visiting the Windy City anytime soon, you can check it out in the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Robin!

[Source: Wilson Brothers Design]

Continue reading Video: Puma puts the car in cardboard box... or maybe the other way around

Video: Puma puts the car in cardboard box... or maybe the other way around originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Puma builds Ferrari F1 racer out of clothing

Drew Phillips — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Ferrari

Puma builds a Ferrari F1 car out of clothes - click above to watch the video after the jump

People apparently love building full-scale Ferrari F1 cars. Whether made from 80,000 lego bricks, delicious chocolate, or $24,000 worth of carbon fiber, the legendary Italian racecars are a popular vehicle to replicate. We can now add clothing to that list.

The latest recreation was built using a variety of Puma shirts, shoes, sandals, socks, hats, and other apparel to recreate a surprisingly detailed Ferrari F1 car. Thanks to Puma's licensing deal with Ferrari, the car even comes with the proper logos and badges. You can watch the video of the entire process after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Rahul!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Puma builds Ferrari F1 racer out of clothing

VIDEO: Puma builds Ferrari F1 racer out of clothing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heel & Toe: Oregon designer dreams up Ferrari, Ducati sneakers

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ferrari, Design/Style

Ferrari and Ducati concept Fila shoes by Olivier Henrichot - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before Ferrari's vast merchandising empire teamed up with Puma to put prancing horses on anything from baseball caps to running shoes and everything in between, they were in bed with Italian sportswear company Fila. That partnership produced some attractive products, but while Puma's line packs more merchandise, if Olivier Henrichot is behind the designs, Maranello may want to consider going back to Fila.

The Portland, Oregon-based designer worked up a whole portfolio of intriguing footwear for Ferrari and two-wheel counterpart Ducati that join what appears to be a growing closet full of concept shoes - like the Lambo Reventon kicks and Gallardo pumps - that further demonstrate how the two fields of shoes and cars are growing closer than ever.

Gallery: Ferrari and Ducati concept Fila shoes by Olivier Henrichot

[Source: Coroflot via NextAutos]

Heel & Toe: Oregon designer dreams up Ferrari, Ducati sneakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gumball 3000 rally gets its own special edition Puma racing shoe

Drew Phillips — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Lifestyle

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Puma Speed Cat 2.9 Mid Gumball 3000 edition shoe

The Gumball 3000 is set for its 11th running next month, and as part of the rally, Puma, an official sponsor of the event, has released a limited-edition driving shoe. Named the Speed Cat 2.9 Mid Gumball, this motorsports sneaker features black and silver leather, the Gumball logo on the tongue, and the rally route printed inside. The design also includes a tread inspired by racing tires, a rounded heal, and a vulcanized rubber outsole. The rally will visit Puma stores throughout the event including Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, and Miami where they will also release a Puma Gumball t-shirt. More details on these special edition shoes in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Puma Speed Cat 2.9 Mid Gumball 3000 edition shoe

[Source: Gumball 3000]

Continue reading Gumball 3000 rally gets its own special edition Puma racing shoe

Gumball 3000 rally gets its own special edition Puma racing shoe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM and Segway's PUMA live reveal

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Green

GM/Segway Project P.U.M.A. - Click above for a high-res gallery

You know how the oil companies are all trying to become energy companies now? The new PUMA (aka, the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project) from GM and Segway shows one way that auto companies could shift over to being transportation companies if they wanted to. At an unveiling of the enclosed Segway for two this morning in Manhattan, GM and Segway reps talked about how the PUMA represents a big evolution of the automobile. GM vice president of research and development Larry Burns said the PUMA "is about fundamentally reinventing the automobile"

Burns said that the PUMA is a descendant of the AUTOnomy skateboard platform (which gave us the Chevy Sequel) and is pretty much the anti-HUMMER. In fact, Burns called the HUMMER the "extreme overdesign in personal transport," hinting that the PUMA represents the opposite tack.

The battery-powered PUMA is wholly functional, and we're still trying to figure out if it's more or less dorky looking than a Segway. Whatever the case, we still kind of like the two- (or six-, depending on how you're counting) wheeled design and are looking forward to the fall, when the media will actually be able to test drive the little buggers and next year, when some models with body panels and stylish looks arrive -- yes, the renderings that GM showed today do look a little like a Toyota i-swing with two wheels. The PUMA is 1/6th the size of a standard cars (and half the size of a Smart Fortwo) and should be about a third or a fourth the cost of a normal vehicle to operate, including insurance, running costs, etc.

Jim Norrod, CEO of Segway Inc. said that with two wheels, you get "unparralled" maneuverability. This thing can really turn on a dime. With a top speed of 35 mph, a 35-mile range, and the ability to recharge for 35 cents (or so GM says), there's got to be a market for city dwellers who think bikes are a good idea, but just too sweaty. For more, see GM's press release from last night.

Two videos, including one form our friends at Engadget, are available after the jump.

Gallery: Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (PUMA)

Continue reading GM and Segway's PUMA live reveal

GM and Segway's PUMA live reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM and Segway working on new balancing two-wheeler P.U.M.A. project

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, GM

GM/Segway Project P.U.M.A. - Click above for a high-res gallery

Please hold a moment while we check our calendars. Nope, it's definitely not April 1. That must mean a General Motors tie-up with Segway must be true. The Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (P.U.M.A. for short) will seek to develop a self balancing two-wheeled vehicle capable of reaching speeds of 35 mph - well above the Segway's 12 mph top speed -- for 35 miles.

Instead of the more common single track of a motorcycle, this electric vehicle will borrow the side-by-side arrangement popularized on the original Segway Personal Transporter. A lithium battery will store enough charge to allow the vehicle to travel for up to 35 miles on a single charge. Another interesting feature is the expected ability for each machine to communicate with vehicles around it, reducing the risk of accidents and regulating the flow of traffic.

Cost isn't yet set, but initial projections would place the total cost of ownership for the two-passenger autonomous vehicle at about a quarter of the price of a traditional automobile. The P.U.M.A. project will make its official debut at the New York Auto Show this week.

Gallery: GM/Segway Project P.U.M.A.

Continue reading GM and Segway working on new balancing two-wheeler P.U.M.A. project

GM and Segway working on new balancing two-wheeler P.U.M.A. project originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sneaking Rich: Puma by Schedoni

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Order a new Ferrari, Maserati or Lamborghini and you'll have the option of ordering fitted Schedoni luggage. The hundred-year-old leathercrafters are based in Modena, the same city where the exotic supercars are made, and the exclusivity and allure of their products rival that of the cars for which their luggage is custom-made. The company also makes bullet-proof briefcases for the Italian secret service, leather golf bags, thousand-dollar women's purses and those little pads in the cockpit that the shield Massa's and Raikonnen's precious heads, but back at the turn of the last century, Schedoni started by making shoes.

Teaming up with Puma, Schedoni is returning to its original core craft to produce a line of bespoke driving shoes for those who have to have everything to go with their fancy new gran turismo or barchetta. The collaboration between the two independent Scuderia Ferrari suppliers will yield two series of driving shoes. The first will come in Schedoni's trademark rich golden tan, branded with the owner's initials. If that's not personalized enough for your taste, a second line of shoes can be fully customized with their "puzzle kit" that allows customers to choose from a wide variety of leathers.

Each will be available in limited quantities, along with matching bags, for what promises to be exorbitant amounts of money. You know, just to keep the riff-raff out of these fancy sneaks.

[Source: Motor Trend via Luxist]

Sneaking Rich: Puma by Schedoni originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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